Varnishes – oil base or water borne?

Questions & AnswersCategory: Furniture Refinishing QuestionsVarnishes – oil base or water borne?
Anonymous asked 10 years ago

How can I tell the difference between an old oil-based varnish finish and a water borne finish?

1 Answers
MagicDave answered.

Read the product can label… but I assume you mean after it has been applied and you are just looking at the surface…it's hard unless you have lots of experience, but try rubbing a tiny bit with Lacquer Thinner… if it smudges or dulls, it's probably oil base… if not perhaps it isn't… like I said it isn't easy… to distinguish… after it's been applied…